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SeekingBostonMarathon is an amateur's journey to race in the ultimate annual marathon--the Boston Athletic Association's Boston Marathon. This is not an olympic runner or professional runner's advice site, but an "average joe" who got hooked on running and finally reached hallowed ground in 2010 and is constantly seeking to get back to Boston.

Mr. Mojo Risin

Did you take my mojo? Have you ever had mojo at a HoJo? What about JLo with MoJo at a HoJo? (I don't think she stays at Hojos.) How about a Lobo who met a hobo who lost his mojo? Mr. mojo risin'...gotta keep on risin'...

My marathon mojo has been on hiatus when it comes to my running. I'm hard on myself which is either a curse or blessing when it comes to pushing myself as a runner. Regardless, it's like I've had diesel in my gas tank or vice versa. Summer was a good one as my marathon "time off" turned me into a triathlete--so much for "taking time off."

As I've been reading Runner's World's Run Less, Run Faster based on the FIRST Training program, it promotes three quality runs a week blended with cross-training. I've been toying with the concept the last couple of months. I stopped by this weekend to pick up some of my new favorite Hammer Huckleberry Gel (that was not a paid endorsement*) and the runner behind the desk asked what I was training for. "I'm in my pre-training training" I replied. She looked confused, but it's rather straightforward...I'm not in the midst of a (16 week) marathon training plan, but working on ramping up my speed and conditioning to take on the 16 week plan.

My runs earlier last week consisted of a tempo run by turning up the speed dial to sub-seven minute miles. The second run was goal pace miles cranking up to 7:35 mile pace miles. The runs were separated by a one mile swim. WTF???? That's not a typo. Saturday was a (short) long run of eight miles. Long runs by FIRST and most marathon training plan definitions are around 30 seconds slower than your intended marathon goal pace. I started with a warm-up mile of an 8:10 pace, then settled into a 7:53 pace.

Nothing special...no medals...no crowds, but this was a good one. 7:53 felt quite comfortable. I'd strapped on my Garmin HR monitor and watched as I started in my Zone 1 (less than 135 HR) and gradually edged into Zone II (around 142.) Afterwards, I'd synch my Garmin and find out I'd averaged 136. One digit over the top of my zone one.

What does that all mean? My sub eight minute pace seemed effortless yet was at a BQ pace. My heart rate was way below the "shit hits the wall" lactate threshold. All good. While only eight miles, this was a huge boost to my confidence. Despite the temptation to run faster and run more days faster, I will stick to the discipline of my pre-training training.

One more month of this, a couple holiday weeks of laying low, then I will commence my first marathon training program in a year. Game on.

Bonus blog questions;

1) What's a Hojo?

2) Mr. Mojo risin'...name the artist or song.

3) College with the mascot of a Lobo?
4) Double bonus question: why the sudden drop in HR around the 20 minute mark?

Comments

The FIRST program is excellent...but be sure you're keeping up with the cross training days. They are the key.

Also, should you ever have any questions about the program, contact Bill or Scott (authors) at Furman (my alma mater). When I was doing the plan in 2010, they were AWESOME to answer questions I had. Both are very gracious and responsive.

Bonus Questions1) Howard Johnson2) Jim Morrison3) New Mexico4) I'm betting you stopped for traffic, or the sensor came off.

You are correct Randy on three out of four. Your clue to the drop in HR is in the photo--it was a dreadmill run and I burnt out a belt and had to switch treadmills. DM me on twitter your address and I'll send you a sticker in the mail.